Guide

International Health Insurance for Israel Comparison

As a diverse and technologically advanced nation, Israel not only boasts a healthcare infrastructure ranked 6th globally but also presents unique needs for health coverage abroad, particularly for expatriates and international citizens.

The gravitas of selecting an appropriate expat health insurance in Israel cannot be overstated for those planning a move to this historical and culturally-rich country.

With a universal healthcare system sustained by a taxpayer contribution of 3.1% of their income, health services in Israel cater to various essential needs.

Get quote

Book a meeting

International Health Insurance for Israel Comparison

We are proud of our high level of customer satisfaction

Known from

By André Disselkamp

Co-Founder, Insurancy

Updated: 03.11.2024

Key Takeaways

Israel’s healthcare system offers universal coverage funded by a 3.1% tax on income.
Private health insurance costs can be considerable, with families paying over $3,000 annually.
Expatriates often benefit from international health insurance to ensure access to extended health services.
Cigna Global, Aetna International, and Bupa Global provide a range of global medical plans tailored for expats in Israel.
The adequate choice of health coverage abroad safeguards against potential gaps within the public healthcare system.
Israel ranks highly for healthcare infrastructure, access, and quality globally.
Supplementary private health insurance is a common addition for many Israelis to complement the public healthcare system.

Understanding Israel’s Health Insurance Landscape

The Israeli healthcare system, characterized by its efficiency and comprehensive coverage, operates under a universal healthcare model, mandated for all residents. This system ensures that every resident contributes financially according to their means, with a 3.1% income contribution being typical. As an exemplar of universal healthcare, the system not only promotes equitable access to essential medical services but also prides itself on high standards of care.

For expatriates, navigating the Israeli healthcare system can present unique challenges, particularly concerning expat medical coverage. While universal healthcare extends to all permanent residents, non-permanent residents must secure private health insurance to gain similar healthcare benefits. The distinction here is crucial for expatriates in understanding their healthcare rights and responsibilities within Israel.

Health Fund	Membership Count	Coverage Features
Clalit	Approx. 50% of citizens	Includes general and specialist healthcare, hospitalization, and pharmacy services
Maccabi	1.5 million members	Known for specialist consultations and innovative medical treatments
Leumit	Smaller scale provider	Focus on personalized care and fast service
Meuhedet	Regional distribution	Strong in community-based healthcare solutions

Given the intricate setup of the Israeli healthcare system, it is evident that it provides robust support for its residents’ health needs. However, the system still faces issues such as extended wait times and occasional staff shortages, which are common in universal healthcare systems globally. Moreover, the cutting-edge medical infrastructure and the high success rates of medical procedures, like the 95% success rate in neurosurgical operations, continue to position Israel as a leading destination for medical tourism.

For expatriates and non-permanent residents, understanding the nuances of expat medical coverage in Israel is vital. It not only helps in making informed health insurance choices but also ensures that you are adequately covered during your stay in the country. With the right knowledge and preparation, navigating the Israeli healthcare system can be a straightforward and rewarding experience.

Find the best International Health Insurance.

We scan the entire market of international health insurance providers and support you with our expert knowledge.

Get quote

+ many other insurance providers

Comparing Public and Private Health Insurance in Israel

In Israel, the healthcare sector encompasses a dynamic mix of public vs private healthcare facilities, catering to diverse needs. This section delves into their specific characteristics, including the supplementary insurance options available, particularly important for expat insurance coverage and accessing quality medical treatment in Israel.

Public Health Care System: Coverage and Quality

The Israeli public health system provides comprehensive coverage that includes essential services for all citizens and residents, achieving high marks for quality medical treatment in Israel. The system is funded primarily through taxation, ensuring that healthcare services are accessible to the entire population. Notably, health care accounts for approximately 5.5% of households’ expenditures. The public system is efficient, as evidenced by Israel’s high global health system rankings and its commendable life expectancy rates. However, challenges such as long wait times and certain limitations in service offerings remain, underscoring the need for supplementary coverage.

Private Medical Insurance: Benefits and Limitations

Private health insurance in Israel is an alternative or supplement to the state system, offering quicker access to specialists and procedures that might not be readily available through public channels. This is particularly attractive for expats seeking expat insurance coverage that aligns with the healthcare standards they expect. Despite its benefits, private insurance sometimes excludes pre-existing conditions and often comes with waiting periods. By 2016, around 57% of Israeli adults were covered under commercial private insurance plans, reflecting a substantial portion of the population opting for private coverage amidst growing premiums, which saw a significant increase of 329% for medical expenses and 199% for severe diseases coverage from 2003 to 2016.

Supplementary Insurance Options

Supplementary insurance plays a pivotal role in bridging the gaps left by both public and private health insurance in Israel. These plans, often provided by non-profit funds affiliated with the government system, offer enhanced coverage for services such as dental and optical care, which are not fully covered under the standard packages. Coverage rates among these supplementary plans vary, with Maccabi leading at 89%, followed closely by other major providers. Significantly, these supplementary options are crucial for vulnerable populations—statistics show varying rates of enrollment based on health conditions and socio-economic status. For instance, in 2016, coverage rates among the chronically ill was 87%, while it was only 63% and 66% among Israel’s Arab citizens and the lowest income quintile, respectively.

Understanding the nuances between public vs private healthcare and the available supplementary insurance options is essential for anyone considering health coverage in Israel, especially expatriates who must navigate these choices to ensure comprehensive and cost-effective health care solutions.

Expert for international health insurance

Tailor-made international insurance: As an insurance broker, we offer customized insurance packages that meet the needs and budgets of our customers.
Independent advice and selection: We offer independent advice and can select from a wide range of insurance providers to find the best solutions for our clients.
Client-focused support: Our dedicated team is on hand to provide our clients with personal advice and support in selecting, managing and optimizing their insurance cover.
Many years of industry experience and expertise: Our many years of experience and expertise enable us to offer our clients sound advice and customized solutions based on a deep understanding of the insurance industry.
Innovative technology and digital services: We use innovative technology and digital platforms to provide our customers with convenient and transparent access to insurance information and services.

Get quote

Book a meeting

How to reach us

We advise you Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Or book a free web meeting

Calculation of all costs live and via screen sharing
Get to know us personally, live and in colour

Book a meeting

International Health Insurance for Israel Comparison

When evaluating international health insurance policies suitable for Israel, the choice is comprehensive, spanning over 300 different plans tailored for expatriates, students, and travelers. Notably, providers like Cigna Global and Aetna International are distinguished for their extensive networks and flexible expat coverage plans.

One of the pivotal factors in choosing a suitable plan is understanding the depth of coverage offered—whether it covers only emergencies or full spectrum health services. For instance, some policies include an exclusive emergency plan that can later be upgraded to a more holistic health care option, offering a practical solution for initially budget-conscious expatriates.

Feature	Availability	Benefits
Emergency Bonus Plan	First 18 months	Converts to complete health plan post-introduction period
Hospitalization Only	Available	Access to top-tier hospitals without upfront payments
Customer Support	24/7	Expert assistance and VIP support during the policy period

Those relocating temporarily, such as students or those on short work stints, might consider a travel medical insurance as a suitable alternative, providing essential health coverage in shorter bursts and ensuring protection against unforeseen medical emergencies abroad.

Global healthcare options must also cater to the lifestyle needs of expatriates who value flexibility, including the ability to choose between different levels of coverage based on their stay duration, health needs, and financial readiness. According to surveys, approximately 80% of adults in Israel augment their healthcare with supplemental insurance, indicating a high demand for extensive coverage solutions.

Over 95,000 expatriates have utilized comparisons to select suitable plans on the platform.
Manual comparison is crucial, revealing up to an 80% price discrepancy between similar coverages.
The platform’s high Trustpilot rating of 4.9/5 highlights customer satisfaction and reliability.

Choosing the right international health insurance policy often integrates balancing costs with the need for comprehensive coverage and adaptability to global lifestyles. For those living or moving to Israel, tailored expat coverage plans explicated through such detailed comparisons prove indispensable.

Essential Coverage for Expatriates and Immigrants in Israel

For expatriates and immigrants in Israel, navigating the intricacies of health insurance is crucial. With diverse options available ranging from student insurance in Israel to tailored expatriate health considerations, understanding the nuances of each policy is key. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a retiree, the right coverage ensures you are protected against unforeseen medical expenses.

Healthcare Considerations for Different Expat Scenarios

Expatriates in Israel must consider several factors when selecting health insurance. Private insurance policies often exclude pre-existing conditions and might impose waiting periods before newcomers can access public healthcare services. Additionally, annual expenditures on private health insurance typically account for a significant portion of a household’s healthcare spending, emphasizing the need for thorough research and selection of the right plan.

Plans for Students and Academics

For international students and academic staff, having adequate student insurance in Israel is essential. Not only does it cover general check-ups, but it also extends to specialized treatments necessary for long-term stays. Israel-born students and academics in the US illustrate the importance of having comprehensive coverage that accommodates diverse medical needs while studying abroad.

Travel Insurance vs. Long-term Health Policies

Choosing between travel insurance policies and long-term health insurance policies depends largely on the nature and duration of your stay in Israel. Short-term visitors benefit greatly from travel insurance policies that offer basic or comprehensive coverage for the duration of their trip. Meanwhile, expatriates and long-term immigrants should consider more robust health policies that provide broader coverage options, including outpatient services and alternative medicine, thus ensuring longer-term security and health management in Israel.

Navigating Israel’s Health Insurance for Short-Term Visitors

As visitors plan their trips to the vibrant landscapes and historical richness of Israel, understanding the subtleties of trip safety in Israel is essential. Despite having a globally renowned healthcare system, which ranks fifth for quality and innovation according to the World Health Organization, short-term visitors could face significant out-of-pocket expenses without the right visitor’s health coverage. Israel’s system requires its citizens to pay a 3% to 5% tax on their income for healthcare; however, as a visitor, the charges, especially from private practitioners, can be steep — ranging from $80 to $300 for a regular doctor’s visit and soaring much higher for specialists or emergency services.

Understanding Travel Advisories and Safety Precautions

Before jet-setting to Israel, travelers should be mindful of travel advisories, including a Level 3 advisory indicating potential risks. While such notifications are in place for safety, securing a robust short-term travel insurance can serve as a valuable safety net against the unforeseen. With nearly a million US-based travelers visiting annually, insurance providers are well-versed in catering to the medical and logistical needs specific to Israel-bound tourists. Quality travel insurance can offer extensive medical benefits ranging from coverage for a standard dental exam, which costs $60 to $90, to more substantial procedures and services such as urgent care co-pays and emergency room fees which start at $90 and $250 respectively for non-Kupat Cholim individuals.

The Importance of Medical and Travel Mishap Coverage

For short-term visitors, equipping themselves with a tailored travel insurance policy that includes a minimum of $50,000 for Emergency Medical coverage and $100,000 for Medical Evacuation coverage can make all the difference in the face of an emergency. The right policy may also extend to trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage issues — a comprehensive safeguard in the dynamic landscape of international travel. Providers like American Visitor Insurance and IMG offer specialized plans for groups and individuals alike, ensuring that trip safety in Israel is as assured as the country’s rich cultural experiences. With visitor’s health coverage, tourists can mitigate unexpected costs while exploring the famed Tower of David, the diving paradise of Eilat, or commemorating history at Yad Vashem, turning their focus to the splendors of the journey rather than the concerns of potential mishaps.

Get quote

Book a meeting

FAQ

What kind of international health insurance is necessary for an expat moving to Israel?

Expats moving to Israel need to arrange international health insurance that offers comprehensive coverage for a broad range of medical services. This is crucial as non-permanent residents, including short-term visitors or self-employed individuals, are ineligible for universal healthcare and must rely on private insurance options. Plans can range from basic to extensive, tailored to individual needs.

How does the Israeli healthcare system work for immigrants?

The Israeli healthcare system operates on universal healthcare, with all immigrants required to be covered by a health insurance policy. Taxpayers contribute a portion of their income to fund state healthcare. Immigrants employed with Israeli companies are automatically enrolled, while others must apply directly. Non-permanent residents need to secure private or international insurance options.

What are the benefits and limitations of public vs private healthcare in Israel?

The public health care system in Israel offers high-quality basic and emergency services, including mental health and chronic illness treatment. However, limitations such as long wait times and certain uncovered services exist. Private medical insurance provides quicker access to specialists and elective procedures, but may exclude pre-existing conditions and have waiting periods. Supplementary insurance options are available to enhance coverage.

How do I compare international health insurance policies for Israel?

When comparing international health insurance for Israel, consider the extent of coverage, network access, and customer support. Providers like Cigna Global and Aetna International offer policies with extensive networks, including English-speaking doctors, and 24/7 customer assistance. Evaluate customizable plans based on the duration of your stay and the type of medical services you may need.

What are the essential health insurance coverage considerations for expatriates and immigrants in Israel?

Expatriates and immigrants in Israel must navigate different insurance requirements based on their status. Employed workers are covered by state insurance, while retirees and self-employed individuals need international plans. Students should look into special insurance programs, and short-term visitors should opt for visitor’s insurance. Global employees may access group medical insurance for comprehensive health coverage.

Why is travel medical and mishap insurance important for short-term visitors to Israel?

For short-term visitors, travel insurance ensures coverage for unforeseen medical emergencies and travel mishaps. Although it isn’t mandated for entry, comprehensive coverage, including Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation, is highly recommended, especially in light of travel advisories. Travel insurance can also address trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage issues for a worry-free visit to Israel.